Hamas disclosed on Saturday that it had received Israel’s official response to its recent ceasefire proposal and would carefully evaluate it before providing a reply, as stated by Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas’s deputy Gaza chief.
Amidst ongoing talks to resolve the conflict, an Egyptian delegation visited Israel on Friday to discuss restarting negotiations and securing the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas fighters.
While Israel expressed openness to considering a limited truce, it did not present any new proposals.
In a joint effort, the United States and 17 other countries called on Hamas to release all hostages, emphasizing the necessity of a permanent ceasefire.
Despite Hamas indicating its willingness to consider proposals, it maintained its key demands, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Meanwhile, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan noted positive momentum in ceasefire talks and hostage return efforts.
Reports suggested that Israel informed Egyptian mediators of its readiness to give negotiations “one last chance” before considering an invasion of Rafah, the last refuge for numerous Palestinians displaced by the conflict.
In Rafah, Palestinian health officials reported casualties from an Israeli airstrike on a house, further highlighting the urgency of resolving the situation.
